Boulaye Dia backs Senegal’s AFCON title claim; targets Juventus scalp ahead of Europa League clash

Senegal striker Boulaye Dia insists the Teranga Lions still feel like champions despite Morocco being declared winners of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations following an appeal, while reflecting on his career ahead of Rennes’ Europa League meeting with Juventus.

The Rennes forward, who previously played for Lazio and Salernitana, discussed Senegal’s controversial AFCON outcome, his return to French football and Juventus’ difficult start to the season in an interview with Flashscore.

Dia also offered a glowing assessment of Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso, crediting the Italian with transforming the team’s fortunes after a disappointing previous campaign.

Dia stands by Senegal after AFCON controversy

Senegal were declared winners of the 2026 AFCON on the pitch after defeating Morocco in a final that went into extra time. However, Morocco were subsequently awarded the title following an appeal.

Despite the ruling, Dia maintains that Senegal’s players still consider themselves champions, reflecting on the final as a special moment for the national team.

“Yes, certainly,” he said when asked by Flashscore whether Senegal still felt like champions.

“It was a wonderful final, a really good match between two of the best African teams at the moment. It was decided in extra time. We lifted the trophy and went home to celebrate. It was an important moment.”

The striker also reaffirmed his strong connection to Senegal, explaining that he regularly returns to the country both for international duty and holidays.

“Yes, of course. I go there often now with the national team, but I also regularly visit on holiday. It’s my country of origin, so the connection is always there.”

Gattuso earns Dia’s backing after Lazio revival

Dia continues to follow Lazio closely despite leaving the Italian club, maintaining contact with former teammates and keeping an eye on their performances.

He believes Gattuso has played a significant role in the club’s resurgence, pointing to the coach’s personality, work ethic and ability to restore confidence within the squad.

“No, nobody expected that in those terms, but we knew what the team were capable of,” Dia said when asked whether he anticipated Lazio being level on points with Inter at the top of the table.

“When Gennaro Gattuso arrived with his staff and the spirit that defines him, given how things had gone last season, we really couldn’t have done much worse, even mentally. It was a renewal.”

Dia added that the team’s pre-season preparations and a disappointing Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova provided the foundation for improvement.

“Yes, definitely. He’s showing it so far; what he’s doing is excellent,” he said of Gattuso.

The Senegalese forward also defended the coach against criticism stemming from his previous managerial experiences, insisting that success depends on the circumstances at each club.

“He’s not a magician; there is simply a lot of work behind it. People judged him on his previous experiences, but every club and every situation has its own reality. He came with a mission to accomplish, and so far he’s doing it extremely well.”

Rennes return offers fresh challenge

Dia is enjoying his return to France after spending five years abroad, describing Rennes as an attractive project following his spell in Italian football.

“I feel very good. I’m happy to return to the country where I grew up, and to a league that I had missed,” he said.

“The teams are better now.”

The forward also welcomed the competition for places in Rennes’ attack, particularly with Esteban Lepaul, who finished as the club’s leading scorer last season.

“The aim was to return to Ligue 1 and join a good project after my spell in Italy. Rennes have an excellent team with great players, such as Lepaul. It’s a great thing to compete with him and, above all, to play alongside him. We’ll push each other to improve.”

Rennes suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat away to Paris FC on Sunday, but Dia believes the league setback should be considered separately from their European assignment.

The striker also dismissed suggestions that Juventus were experiencing a crisis following their defeat to Lazio, noting that two losses were insufficient to justify such a description.

“In that case, you can’t talk about a crisis. And they lost to Lazio, who remain a great team,” he said.

Dia plays down Juventus scoring ambition

Although he has scored against several major Italian clubs, Dia is yet to find the net against Juventus.

The Rennes forward admitted that he would welcome the opportunity to end that record but insisted it was not a personal obsession ahead of their Europa League encounter.

“It’s not a dream, but it’s true that I’ve scored against many big clubs in Italy and not yet against Juventus. We’ll try to put that right soon!”

Dia’s experience across France, Italy and Spain has also given him insight into the different approaches to physical preparation, with France combining elements of the other two countries.

“In Spain, everything revolves around the ball: drills, possession and rondos. There is very little pure athletic work. In Italy, there is much more focus on strength and athletic training, and a little less on working with the ball. In France, it’s a mix of the two: plenty of work with the ball, but also a substantial athletic workload.”

As Rennes prepare for Juventus, Dia will hope to turn that experience into a decisive contribution on the European stage.